Fastening device.



T. FORSTNER.

FASTENING DEVICE.

(Apphuhon flledlhr 9 1901) (No Model.)

UNTTED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

THOMAS FORSTNER, OF NE\V ULM, MINNESOTA.

FASTENING DEVICE.

SEPECEYFIGA'IJION forming part of Letters Patent No. 684,421, dated October 1 5, 1901.

Application filed March 9, 1901- Serial No. 50,489. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, THOMAS FORSTNER, a citizen of the United States, residing at New Ulm, in the county of Brown and State of Minnesota, have invented new and useful Improvements in Fastening Devices, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to fastening devices of that kind or class denominated pivoted closure-locks, and the object is to provide a device of the kind named which may readily be manipulated to release a ring or other article with which the hook engages and which maybe as readily and conveniently separated or operated to permit the attachment of a ring, as may be desired.

With this object in view my invention consists in a device of the kind named having novel construction and in the combination of its elements, as will be hereinafter fully specified, and particularly pointed out and claimed.

I have fully and clearly illustrated my invention in the accompanyingdrawings,where- Figure 1 is a plan View of my invention, showing the base or retention-frame and the hook operatively applied thereto. Fig. 2 is a view in elevation of the hook portion and a transverse central sectional view through the keeper and base. Fig. 3 is a detail perspective showing the slot of the closure in engagement with the reduced portion of the frame.

Referring to the drawings, 1 designates the frame upon which the hook is loosely pivoted and swings. This frame may be made of metal and of such size, strength, and dimensions as the exigencies of the uses to which it may be subjected require. As illustrated in the drawings, it consists of a metal frame having-side bars 2 2, an end or strap bar 3, integral therewith, and an integral crossbar 4 at such point as may be required between the side bars. At the front end of the frame the metal is carried in integral formation with a rounded end, as at 5. At one side of the frame to the front of the cross-bar 4 the metal of the frame is reduced in diameter, as at 6, and on the said reduced portion of the frame is slidingly disposed a sleeve 7, adaptedto be moved back and forth thereon. On and about the reduced portion is arranged an expansive spring 7 having one end lodged within the sleeve and the other end bearing against a shoulder 8 on the frame, substantially as shown in the drawings. It will thus be seen that the expansive action of the spring holds the sleeve normally in position lodged against the front shoulder 9 of the reduced portion and that the sleeve may be manipulated-moved rearwardto expose the reduced portion of the frame for a distance at the front in order that the latch or closure pivotally supported on the hook may be turned back from its locking position and space be afforded for the attachment and insertion of the ring of a strap or other article to be connected with the hook.

10 designates the hook, which is substantially made in S shape, having its rear portion loosely hung upon the bow 5, its front portion being rounded, as usual, and for the proper distance on one side, as at 11, made flat to afford proper hearing or seat for the closure. The tail or turned-up portion 12 of the hook is on its inner side made to conform substantially with the direction of the recess or slot in the closure to afford access to the slot when the parts are manipulated to permit the closure to be turned back upon its pivot to afford access to the front hook. On the hook is pivotally mounted,by means of a substantial pivot 13, a closure 1e, consisting of a plate having a straight upper end 15, beveled on the edge to engage under a coincident overhanging beveled portion 15 on the hook, substantially as shown, whereby the closure is kept from displacement in its relation to the hook, the outer portion of the plate being extended, as at 16, to engage with the free end of the hook, and thereby look any ring or other similar article engaged in or with the hook from being detached or becoming disengaged accidentally. From the rear portion of the lockin g plate or closure 1% is projected a downwardly-extended curved arm 17, having its inner end adapted to rest loosely upon the forward end bar of the frame 1, the free end of said arm being curved to rest upon the bar 5 of the frame. Between the said arm and the body ofthe closure is formed an angularlyextended slot or recess 18 of less diameter than the bar 5, but of such width as to admit the reduced portion 6 of the frame, whereby when the hook is thrown into position shown in Fig. 3, with the slot in the closure in engagement with the reduced portion, the closure may be swung back on its pivot to permit the insertion or release of a ring, as may be desired.

It will be perceived from the foregoing description, taken in connection with the drawings, that when the hook and supportingframe are in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings a link or ring, as 19, is held securely without liability of accidental deiachment by reason of the locking jaw or closure extending across the entrance to the hook by means of the lodgment of the end of the curved arm on the forward bar of the frame, as particularly illustrated in Fig-2. When it is desired to release therefrom whatever may be engaged with the hook, the looking plate or closure is swung on its pivot, as indicated in Fig. 3 of the drawings, and carried backward against the shoulder of the sleeve and the pressure continued until the space of the reduced portion is exposed, as shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings, when the slot or recess of the closure is brought into registration with the reduced portion of the frame, and then the said closure may be turned back, the said reduced portion of the frame entering the recess and permitting the hook to be opened free to admit or release a ring or similar article.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. A fastening device comprising a frame formed with a front bar, having a reduced portion, a hook hung on the bar of the frame, a closure pivotally mounted on the body of the hook, disposed to rest with its extended rear end on the bar of the frame and formed with a slot to engage the reduced portion of the frame to permit the closure to be swung on its pivot.

2. A fastening device comprising a frame formed with a front bar, having a reduced portion, a hook hung on the bar of the frame,

a closure pivotally mounted on the body of 'the hook, disposed to rest with its extended rear end on the bar of the frame and formed formed with a front bar, having a reduced,

portion, a hook hung on the bar of the frame,

a closure pivotally mounted on the body of the hook, disposed to rest with its extended rear end on the bar of the frame and formed with a slot to engage the reduced portion of the frame, and means on the reduced portion to normally hold the same out of engagement with the slot of the closure.

4. A fastening device comprising a frame formed with afront bar, having a reduced portion, a hook hung on the bar of the frame,'a closure pivotally mounted on the body of the hook, disposed to rest with its extended rear end on the bar of the frame, and formed with a slot to engage the reduced portion of the frame, and a spring-actuated sleeve on the 7 reduced portion to normally hold the said portion out of engagement with the slot of the closure.

In testimony whereof I aifix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

THOMAS FORSTNER. \Vitnesses:

W'M. PFUENDER, Jr., JAMES SCHNEIDER. 

